Computing-scale.



No. 808,517. PATBN'I'ED DEC 26, 1905. M. A. DEBS COMPUTING SCALE.

APPLICATION FILED 00116, 1902,

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0- 808,517. PATENTED DEC. 26,' 1905.

' M. A. DEBS.

COMPUTING SCALE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 1a. 190 2.

2 smzms-snnm 2.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

Specification of Letters Fatent.

Patented Dec. 26, 1905.

Application filed October 16, 1902. Serial No. 127.594.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, MARK A. DEES, a citizen of the United States, residing at St. Louis, in the State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Computing-Scales, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part thereof.

This invention is designed to simplify, cheapen, and render more eflicient computing-scales of the class to which it belongs, its main object being to provide in one cylinder the necessary surface upon which may be collected or aggregated the various rows or columns of figures which heretofore have been distributed over a series of cylinders.

The constructions of the beam, poise, and cylinder entering into this invention are such that a number of prices, values, and weights may be concentrated upon a surface or surfaces comprised within comparatively small areas, which are capable of being brought always within convenient view of the operator, thereby greatly simplifying, lightening, and cheapening the device, while enhancing its efliciency.

The invention also has other objects and advantages, as will hereinafter appear.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a front elevation of my invention; Fig. 2, an end elevation thereof, the base of the scale being in section; Fig. 3, in perspective, a portion of the computingcylinder and its poise or pea, on enlarged scale; and Figs. 4 and 5 show detail views of a part of the invention.

Within a base a of box-like form are carried' the levers and other usual accessories of platform-scales, which support, by means of lugs I), the lower platform 0. A column d, standing in vertical position on the platform a, is provided at its upper end with knife edges f for supporting the tilting scale-beam frame 9 in a well-known manner. Similar knife-edges h on the tilting frame 9 serve as pivotal points for the spider 'i, on which rests the upper platform A rod 71? extends downwardly from the scale-beam frame 9 into the base a, where" it is oined by a knife-edge Z to one of the weighing-levers contained therein, the said lever being the connecting-link between the lower platform and the upper weighing mechanism. The upper platform j is prevented from tilting by means of a rod :20 in the ordinary way.

An arm m extends downwardly from each end of the scale-beam frame 9, to which arms is journaled a rotatable valuecylinder n, the details of which will be described hereinafter. Fixed to arms 0, extending upwardly from the frame 9 and above the cylinder n, is a scale-beam p, which carries a sliding weight or pea q. An annular weight, pea, or poise 7, adapted to slide longitudinally on the cylinder n, is connected to the pea q by means of a rib or finger-piece s, which may extend entirely around the poise r within a circumferential groove formed therein, the peas 9 and r being in vertical relation to each other. The pea g has projecting from its top a pin 25, on which a weight a or 4), respectively, will be placed when the normal capacity of the scale is to be doubled or quadrupled. These weights to 1) when not in use are at all times placed at the zero end of the tilting scale-beam frame 9, and when the scale is to be brought into equilibrium it is necessary that the pea Q shall be slid back, so that its pin 25 and the weights shall be exactly the same distance from the fulcrum of the scale beam.

On the face of the scale-beam p are placed four independent scales 1 2 3 4, indicating weight, the scales being of equal length, but differentlysubdivided. The uppermost scale 1 is divided into two pounds, the second scale 2 into four pounds, and the third scale 3 into eight pounds, each pound on each of said scales being further divided into tenths of pounds. The third scale is also divided into quarter-pounds, as indicated by the last scale 4, which latter may, if desired, be further subdivided into eighths, sixteenths, &c., of a pound.

On the right end of the scale-beam p and in line with the scale 1 are the words Use 1 poise, meaning the peas q and r. The words Use 2 poise and Use 3 poise are in line with the second and third scales, respectively. The 2 poise v is to be placed on the pin 15 when it becomes necessary to weigh a quantity double that indicated by the first scale, and when 3 poise u is used four times the amount indicated by the first scale may be weighed.

The rotatable cylinder a (see Fig. 8) is formed with a cylindrical body 5, from the periphery of which ribs 6 extend radially about three-sixteenths of an inch and are separated from each other about one-quarter of an inch. A circular plate 7 of diameter sufficient to protect the ends of the ribs 6 is rigidly secured to each end of the cylinder. These plates 7 are provided with stud-shafts 8, which are journaled in the lower ends of the arms m m, thus enabling the cylinder to be turned in either direction at will.

The ribs 6, above mentioned, may be socured to the cylindrical body 5 in any suitable manner; but the preferred form is that shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5. As there seen, a strip of metal 9 is used, it being the length of the cylinder and of a width equal to the sum of the height of the rib 6 and the space between one rib and another when assembled on the body 5. The strip 9 is bent longitudinally, as seen in Figs. 4; and 5, to form the rib 6 and the foot-piece 10, the latter being slightly curved to fit the outer surface of the cylindrical body 5. Both sides of the rib and the upper surface of the foot-piece are after bending enameled and then subdivided and the various numbers indicating values put on. If found more convenient and less expensive, the enameling and numbering may be done before the bending.

The cylindrical body 5 and the ribs 6 being ready for assemblage, the ribs are placed on the peripheral surface of the cylinder one after another until the number designed for said cylinder are in place, they being secured by screws passing through the foot-piece and into the cylinder, care being taken to give a true axial position to each rib. The ribbed value-cylinder n being now complete, an examination thereof will disclose a series of subdivisions on each foot-piece and on each side of each rib 6. Commencing on one sidesay the outsideof a rib with the minimum. series of subdivisions of a certain length, the next longer series of subdivisions will be on the opposite side of the same rib, the next longer series of subdivisions will be found on the foot-piece of said rib, then on the opposite sides and foot-piece of the next rib, and so on around the cylinder, the subdivisions gradually increasing in length on the sides of each rib and its foot-piece in passing around the cylinder. (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5.) Each horizontal series of subdivisions is numbered consecutivelysay by an increase of five indicating increase in value, as from five to ten cents, &c. The several series of subdivisions succeeding the first, although of increasing length, begin with the same number as the first and follow in the same ratio.

The annular poise or pea r is arranged to be moved longitudinally on the value-cylinder 71, but prevented from rotating thereon by the ribs 6 engaging narrow slots 11 in the said poise or pea. The inner diameter of the poise r is slightly greater than that of the outer periphery of the value-cylinder n for the purpose of decreasing friction. The slots 11 are also made somewhat wider at the base of the ribs 6 for the same purpose. A series of ribs 12, secured to the annular poise 9*, ex-

tend radially and axially in line with the ribs 6 on the cylinder n. Arranged circumferentially about the annular poise r and the ribs 12 are three rows of numerals and fractions thereof. The first row 1 3 is the one on thelel't edge of the poise, indicating the price per pound and fractions thereof and used in connection with the scale 1. on the scale-beam p. The second row 14 of numerals shows values one-half that of the first row and is used in connection with the scale 2 on the beam p, and the weight a then placed on the pin t. The numerals of the final row 15 are one-quarter in value of those in the first row and relate to the scale on the fixed scale-beam p, the weight 1) in this case being placed on the pin t of the pea q. Thus, as will appear later on, as the weight divisions are doubled the price divisions are halved.

The pea g, slidably mounted on the scalebeam 79, as heretofore stated, is loosely connected by the rib s with a circular groove 16 in the annular poise 1 to permit rotation of said poise r and the cylinder n. On the face of the pea q is the word Prices, below which, on separate lines, are placed the following expressions: 2 to 120, 1. to 60, and 3,- to 30. The expression 2 to 120 indicates that articles having prices ranging from two cents to one dollar and twenty cents per pound may be computed and weighed (the weighing being extremely exact because of the long movement of the poise 9, it being half the length of the beam 1)) to the amount of two pounds by using the scale 1 and row 13 of numerals on the poise r in connection with the ribbed cylinder n. The phrases 1 to and .1; to 30 are used with the scales 2 and 3 and with the rows of numerals 14 and 15, respectively.

The several parts of the apparatus are so proportioned, arranged, and connected with one another that on weighing a quantity according to the scale 1 at a certain price per pound its value will be indicated on the cylinder n in line with .the price per pound on the row 13 of the poise 7". Twice the quantity of material in dicated by the scale 2 at half the price per pound, as shown on the row 14 of the poise 7", will denote the same value on the cylinder 01. Finally, four times the original quantity of material indicated on the scale 3 at one-fourth the price per pound (see the row 1.5) will also denote the same value on the cylinder 01.

The operation of my device when the upper platform 7' is used is as follows: The peas q 7'- being normally at the extreme left of the beam. p and cylinder n, if, for example, one pound ten ounces of some substance is desired at one dollar and twenty cents per pound, the rib or finger-piece s is grasped by the thumb and finger of the operator and the peas 9 and r are moved along the scale-beam p and the cylinder a past the numeral 1 on said scale -beam and until the left edge of the pea q reaches the tenth subdivision of the scale 4 beyond the one-pound mark. The scale is now adjusted to weigh one pound ten ounces and to indicate on the cylinder the price of that amount of material valued at one dollar and twenty cents per pound. The material is then put on the upper platform until the scale balances, after which the cylinder n and its pea 1" may, if necessary, be rotated until the price perpound on the row 13 of said pea is in front of the eye of the operator, this. being accomplished without changing the above-mentioned conditions. The value of the article just weighed will be denoted by the numeral 195 on the cylinder n at the edge of the pea 7", (see Fig. 1,) thus showing the value of the amount of material weighed to be one dollar and ninetyfive cents. Again, should more than two pounds and less than four be needed-say three and one-fourth pounds (or double the quantity of the amount of material ust supposed) at sixty cents per pound (one-half. the price per pound of the previous purchase) the weight it will be placed on the pin 15 of the pea q and the same operation repeated. Now

looking for the price per pound in the row 14 of the pea 1*, which will be found beside the previous prIce-p r-pounfi number 120, the value of the amount of material now being weighed will be shown upon the cylinder n at the left edge of the pea r to be the same as beforeviz., one dollar and ninety-five cents. Fora final example six and one-half pounds of material (see the scale 3) at thirty cents per pound (see the row 15) will indicate on the cylinder n the same computed value as beforeviz., one dollar and ninety-five cents. When the third scale is used, the weight it, if on the pin 25, must be replaced on the scalebeam frame 9 and the weight t mounted on the pin 25. Numbers indicating consecutive prices are placed in circumferential and horizontal rows upon the pea r, the horizontal rows of numbers having relative values of one, one-half, and one-fourth, respectively, and representing the price per pound of weighed articles in the ratio of one, two, and four or double and quadruple the first value. Numbers indicating values placed upon either side of and between the ribs of the cylinder at have their corresponding prices per pound in similar positions on the ribs and spaces of the pea 1". To read the prices and values placed on the ribs of both the cylinder and pea, a slight turn of the cylinder forward or backward, depending on the side of the rib on which the indicating number is placed, is necessary until the requisite numbers denoting price per pound and computed value are in line with the eye of the operator.

In the above description of the operation of the invention attention has been directed Wholly to the use of the upper platform j.

The maximum quantity of material capable of being weighed on that platform, as here shown, is eight pounds.

The lower platform 0 is supported by lugs I) on levers of the usual character and disposition, one being extended beyond the edge of the platform 0 to the rod 7c and pivoted thereto by a knife-edge connection Z. hen an amount greater than the capacity of the upper platform is to be weighed, recourse must be had to the lower platform 0, its weighing ratio being greater than the upper as ten is to one. It follows, therefore, that the weights and values are increased ten times, the result being that when the peas q and r are moved to the line indicating one, two, and four pounds on the scales 1 2 3, respectively, the actual weight of material required to balance the scale-beam frame 9 will be ten pounds instead of one pound, twenty pounds instead of two pounds, and forty pounds instead of four pounds, as the case may be. The price per pound of the articles weighed will in each case be the same, as heretofore described. The horizontal distance between the numerals on thescales 1, 2, and 3 being equal to ten pounds when weighing articles on the lower platform, these distances are subdivided into tenths, as heretofore mentioned, each subdivision representing one pound.

It will be understood that the cylinder n is equally adapted for use in connection with the upper and the lower platforms and that the operator in reading the weights and prices indicated and the computations effected as the pea is moved along the cylinder is only required to mentally add a nought to the weights shown and computations effected in the use of the upper platform. Thus a value for a certain weight of a commodity weighed on the upper platform amounting to, say, one dollar and ninety-five cents, as seen in Fig. 1, would (ten times the amount of the same material at the same price being weighed upon the lower platform) obviously amount to nineteen dollars and fifty cents. Therefore it is seen that this scale presents advantages in enabling a large or a small amount of material at a given price per pound to be weighed and its value computed in an exceedingly simple manner.

Pivotally secured to some fixed part of the scale-frame is suspended a plumb 18, the point of which, when the scaleframe stands true on its support, is in line with a point 19, also attached to the frame. Thus the level of the scale-frame may be quickly determined and maintained.

The scale is provided with the usual tare poise 20, placed for convenience at the rear of the scale-beam frame g, as may be seen in Fig. 2.

I do not restrict myself to the exact details of construction, combination, and arrangement herein set forth, it being obvious that minor variations thereof not involving the exercise of invention may be made by the skilled mechanic, and such departures from what is herein described and claimed not involving invention I consider as within the scope and terms of my claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim 1. In a price or computing platform-scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a longitudinally-ribbed rotatable cylinder axially supported by said frame, a longitudinally-movable poise mounted upon said cylinder, a scale-beamfixed to said scalebeam frame over the said cylinder, a longitudinally-movable poise carried by said scalebeam, and means whereby the cylinder-poise may be independently rotated but the two poises are rendered capable of joint longitudinal movement, substantially as set forth.

2. In a price or computing platform-scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a longitudinally-ribbed rotatable cyl inder supported by said frame, a longitudinally-movable poise mounted upon said cylinder, a scale-beam fixed to said scalebea1n frame over said cylinder, a longitudinallymovable poise carried by said. scale-beam, and a rib or projection fixed to the scalebeain poise and adapted to fit within a circumferential groove in the cylinder-poise, whereby the latter poise is adapted to be independently rotated, but the two poises are adapted to be moved together in a longitudinal direction, substantially as set forth.

3. In a price or computing platform-scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a longitudinally-ribbed rotatable cylinder supported by said frame, a longitudinally-movable poise mounted on said cylinder, a scale-beam fixed to said scale-beam frame, a longitudinally-movable poise carried by said scale-beam, means for connecting the two poises, and independent weights designed to be normally carried by the tilting scale-beam frame, each of said weights being adapted to be carried separately by the scalebeam poise, substantially as set forth.

4. In a price or computing platform-scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a longitudinally-ribbed rotatable cylinder supported by said scale-beam frame, each side of each rib of said cylinder and the spaces on the cylinder between said ribs bearingindicating value-numbers, a scale-beam, a poise carried by and slidable on said cylinder and bearing price-per-pound characters, and a poise carried by the scalebeam, substantially as set forth.

5. In a price or computing scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam, a fixed scalebeam supported by said frame, a longitudinally-ribbed rotatable cylinder also supported by said scale-beam frame, said cylinder having characters indicating values on each side of each rib and on the spaces between the ribs, and an annular poise adapted to be supported by and to move longitudinally upon said cylinder, said poise being provided with ribs on each side of each of which and on the spaces between which ribs are placed characters indicating prices per pound, substantially as set forth.

6. In a price or computing scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a lon gitudinally-ribbed rotatable cylinder sup ported by said scale-beam frame, said cylinder having characters indicating values on each side of each rib and on the spaces between the ribs, and an annular poise adapted to be supported by and to move longitudinally upon said cylinder, said poise being pro vided with ribs on each side of each of which and on the spaces between which ribs are placed characters indicating prices per pound, substantially as set forth.

7. In a price or computing scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a longitudinally-ribbed cylinder rotatably m ounted thereon, each side of each of said ribs and the spaces on the cylinder between said ribs b eing differently divided and bearing numb crs representing values, and a poise slidably mounted on said cylinder having ribs equal in number to those on said cylinder, each side of each of said ribs and the spaces be tween them having characters thereon indi cating the price per pound of the substance to be weighed, substantially as set forth.

8. In a price or computing scale, the combination of an upper and a lower platform, a tilting scale-beam frame, a longitudinallyribbed cylinder rotatably mounted thereon, each side of each of said ribs and the spaces on the cylinder between said ribs being differently divided and bearing numbers representing values, and a poise slidably mounted on said cylinder having ribs equal in number to those on said cylinder, each side of each of said ribs and the spaces between them hav ing characters thereon indicating the price per pound of the substance to be weighed, substantially as set forth.

9. In a price or computing scale, the combination of an upper and a lower platform, suitable lever-connecting mechanism, a tilting scale-beam frame, a longitudinally-ribbed cylinder rotatably mounted thereon, each side of each of said ribs and the spaces on the cylinder between said ribs being differently divided and bearing numbers representing values, and a poise slidably mounted on said cylinder having ribs equal in number to those on said cylinder, each side of each of said ribs and the spaces between them having characters thereon indicating the price per pound of the substance to be Weighed, substantiallyas set forth.

10. In a price or computing scale, the combination of an upper and a lower platform,

lever mechanism arranged with regard to the load to be weighed on the respective platforms, in the ratio of one to ten, a tilting scale beam frame, a longitudinally ribbed cylinder rotatably mounted thereon, a poise on said'cylinder, a fixed scale-beam supported by said frame, said scalebeam having lever mechanism arranged with regard to the load to be weighed on the respective platforms, in the ratio of one to ten, a tilting scale-beam frame, a longitudinally-ribbed cylinder rotatably mounted thereon and provided with value characters capable of being read as multiplied by ten, when used with the lower platform, a poise on said cylinder, a fixed scale-beam supported by said frame, said scalebeam having suitable graduations, a poise on said scale-beam, and a connection between the poises whereby the cylinderpoise may be moved conjointly with the scalebeampoise, but rotated independently thereof, substantially as set forth.

12. In a price-scale, a computing-cylinder comprising a cylindrical body and radial longitudinal ribs secured to the surface there of, each side of each rib and the area between the ribs being divided into spaces indicating values, the spaces in each horizontal row being of equal length but the spaces in each following row increasing in length consecutively as the cylinder is encircled by the rows, substantially as set forth.

13. In a price-scale, a computing-cylinder comprising a cylindrical body and radial longitudinal ribs, each rib having a foot-piece secured to the cylindrical body, said footpiece being of a width equal to the space between the ribs, there being spaced divisions on each side of each of said ribs and the upper surface of each foot-piece, substantially as set forth.

14. In a price-scale, a computing-cylinder comprising a cylindrical body having radial longitudinal ribs, combined with a cylindrical poise adapted to slide on said cylinder, said poise having radial ribs equal in number to the ribs on the cylinder, a circumferential row of characters indicating price per pound being placed on each side of each rib of the poise and on the surface of the poise between the ribs, substantially as set forth.

15. In a price-scale, a computing-cylinder comprising a cylindrical body having radial longitudinal ribs, combined with a cylindrical poise adapted to slide on said cylinder, said poise having radial ribs equal in number to the ribs of the cylinder and having further a series of circumferential and horizontal rows of characters indicating prices per pound on each side of each rib, and on the surface of said poise between the ribs, the prices indicated in each circumferential row being one-half that of the higher character next it on one side in the horizontal row, and twice that of the character next it on the op posite side, substantially as set forth.

16. In a price or computing scale, the combination of weighing-platforms and a lever mechanism arranged with regard to the two platforms, in the ratio of ten to one, a tilting scale beam frame, a longitudinally ribbed cylinder rotatably mounted thereon, said cylinder having characters indicating values on each side of each of said ribs and on the spaces between the ribs, an annular poise adapted to be supported by and to move longitudinally upon said cylinder, said poise being provided with ribs, on each side of which and on the spaces between which are placed characters indicating prices per pound, a fixed scale-beam supported by said frame, said scale-beam having suitable graduations, a poise on said scale-beam adapted to carry a counterpoise, and a connection between the poises, whereby the cylinder-poise may be moved conjointly with the scale-beam poise but rotated independently thereof, substan tially as set forth.

17. In a price or computingscale having weighing members including a beam and a poise, the combination with an upper and a lower platform connected at the ratio of one to ten, of computing mechanism attached to said beam, the same consisting of a rotatable cylinder and an annular slidable poise mounted thereon the values at the different graduations on said computing mechanism being computed and read in cents when used with the upper platform, and in dimes when used with the lower platform, substantially as set forth.

18. In a price or computing scale having weighing members including a beam and a poise, the combination with an upper and a lower platform connected at the ratio of one to ten, of computing mechanism attached to said beam and operatively connected with said poise, the same consisting of a rotatable cylinder and an annular slidable poise mounted thereon the values at the different graduations on said computing mechanism being computed and read in cents when used with the upper platform, and in dimes when used with the lower platform, substantially as set forth.

19. In a price or computing scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a computing rotatable cylinder axially supported by said frame, a longitudinally movable poise mounted upon said cylinder, a scalebeam fixed to said scale-beam frame over the said cylinder, a longitudinally-movable poise carried by said scale-beam, and means where- 1 by the cylinder-poise may be independently rotated but the two poises are rendered capable of joint longitudinal movement, substantially as set forth.

20. In a price or computing scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a rotatable computing-cylinder supported by said frame, a longitudinally-movable poise l mounted upon said cylinder, a scale-beam fiXed to said scale-beam frame over said cylinder, a longitudinally-movable poise carried by said scale-beam, and a rib or projection fixed to the scale-beam poise and adapted to fit within a circumferential groove in the cylinder-poise, whereby the latter poise is adapted to be independently rotated, but the two poises are adapted to be moved together in a longitudinal direction, substantially as set forth.

21. In a price or computing scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a rotatable computing cylinder supported by said frame, a longitudinally-movable poise mounted on said cylinder, a scale-beam fixed to, said scale-beam frame, a longitudinallymovable poise carried by said scale-beam, means for connecting the two poises, and independent weights designed to be normally carried by the tilting scale-beam frame, each of said weights being adapted to be carried separately by the scale-beam poise, substantially as set forth.

22. In a price or computing scale, the combination of an upper and a lower platform, lever mechanism arranged with regard to the load to be weighed on the respective platforms, in the ratio of one to ten, a tilting scale-beam frame, a computing-cylinder rotatably mounted thereon and provided with value characters capable of being read as multiplied by ten, when used with the lower platform, a poise 011 said cylinder, a fixed s alebeam supported by said frame, said scale-beam having suitable graduations, a poise on said scalebeam, and a connection between the poises whereby the cylinder poise may be moved conjointly with the scale-beam poise, but rotated independently thereof, substantially as set forth.

23. In a price or computing scale, the combination of a tilting scale-beam frame, a rotatable computing-cylinder axially supported by said frame, a longitudinally-movable poise mounted upon said cylinder, a scalebeam fixed to said scalebeam frame over the said cylinder, a longitudinally-movable poise carried by said scale-beam, weights carried by the scale-beam frame and adapted to be used with the poise on the beam, and means whereby the cylind er-poise may be ind ependently rotated but the two poises are rendered capable of oint longitudinal movement, substantially as set forth.

24. Combined in a scale, a computing-cylinder comprising a cylindrical body having radial longitudinal ribs, substantially as set forth.

25. In a scale, a computing-cylinder comprising a cylindrical body having radial longitudinal ribs, combined with a cylindrical poise adapted to slide on said cylinder, sub stantially as set forth.

26. In a scale, a computing-cylinder com prising a cylindrical body having radial longitudinal ribs, combined with a cylindrical poise adapted to slide on said cylinder, said poise having radial ribs equal in number to the ribs on the cylinder, substantially as set forth.

I11 testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal.

MARK A. DEES. [L. s.]

itnesses SIDNEY P. I'IOLLINGSWORTII, C. B. BULL. 

